CX F or EY J?
 

going JFK-MLE. Can either go on CX through HKG-CMB (and buy ticket CMB-MLE) or on EY JFK-AUH-MLE (over night in AUH). It's the same number of miles for CX F or EY J.
which one is preferable? CX routing puts us in MLE a day later (over night in CMB) and is more air-time. I don't mind the airtime as much (especially in J/F), but a day later does burn.

How much better is CX F over EY J? is it worth an extra day of vacation time?

I can't comment on EY J, but CX F is nice. Another thing to consider is that the flight to CMB is regional J only and you will have a stop in either BKK or SIN and arrive late into CMB.

I switched my CX F award to CMB to an EY F award to MLE to minimize the connections.

I would take the more direct EY routing and enjoy the time in MLE.

Both EY (AUH-MLE) and CX (HKG-BKK-CMB) will be on the regional flights. EY flies an A320 and CX has the regional business class seating. EY is atleast shorter (4 hours) as compared to the longer CX flight time.

I agree with skunker! If you're going for a short vacation, it is much better to spend an extra day in the Maldives.

However, w.r.t. long haul sectors, CX F beats EY J any day! The service of CX in F (especially on JFK - HKG) gives you the chance to enjoy CX's in-flight service and comfort for the 15 hour journey from JFK to HKG. But after landing in HKG, in the intra-Asia flights, you're stuck with older seating.

EY J is good too. Service can be a hit or miss depending upon the crew. However, the seats, in-flight comfort is top notch!